Usyk says fight with Fury is his “last dance”

Oleksandr Usyk has described a potential third fight with Tyson Fury as his “last dance,” as he outlines plans for the final stage of his career.

The unified heavyweight champion, now 39, is targeting three more bouts before retiring from the sport.

Usyk is expected to defend his WBC title against Rico Verhoeven in Egypt on May 23, before facing the winner of the bout between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois. A third meeting with Fury is being lined up as the final fight of his career.

The Ukrainian’s rise began with a gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games, followed by an undisputed run at cruiserweight. 

He moved up to heavyweight and recorded two victories over Anthony Joshua before facing Fury in 2024.

Usyk defeated Fury by split decision in May 2024 and followed it up with a unanimous decision win in December, with all three judges scoring the contest 116–112. 

He extended his run in July 2025 with a knockout victory over Dubois, where he recovered the IBF title, adding to a record that now stands at 24–0 with 15 knockouts.

Those results made Usyk the first three-time undisputed champion in the four-belt era, while he has also held The Ring title since 2022. 

Fury, who announced a brief retirement in January 2025, has since called for a third fight. The 37-year-old has pointed to the financial appeal of a trilogy, suggesting there are few alternatives at the same level.

Speaking on the possibility of another meeting, Usyk stated that Fury would be his final opponent: “In my head, Tyson Fury, it’s the last dance.” 

His trainer, Sergey Lapin, has also pointed to the fighter’s ability to adjust in the ring, developed through demanding training camps.

With retirement planned at 41, Usyk is expected to step away after completing his current schedule. A third fight with Fury would close a rivalry that has defined the latter stages of his career, bringing an end to one of the most consistent and exciting runs in the heavyweight division.